On September 6, El Salvador commemorated the third anniversary of its groundbreaking decision to legalize Bitcoin as official currency, making history as the first nation in the world to do so. To mark this milestone, John Dennehy, founder of My First Bitcoin, shared his personal reflections from that pivotal day.
Dennehy, who was in San Salvador on the eve of Bitcoin’s legalization, recounted his experiences as a journalist covering the historic event. “The atmosphere was charged with anticipation,” Dennehy said. “The next day, Bitcoin would officially become legal tender in El Salvador.”
Dennehy, then working for @AJEnglish and @BBCWorld, described the city’s transformation with new Chivo ATMs set up but yet to be operational. Despite the excitement, the move faced resistance and was heavily guarded by armed military personnel, a precursor to the later crackdown on gangs in the country.
That day marked a turning point for Dennehy. “It was the last time I worked as a journalist,” he revealed. His involvement in Bitcoin education through My First Bitcoin, which began with his Uber driver, @elisuademo, and fellow passenger @st4rnold—now the organization’s Director of Communications—signaled a shift from impartial reporting to active participation in the Bitcoin revolution.
Reflecting on the rapid changes since that historic day, Dennehy concluded, “I remember September 6th, 2021 like it was yesterday. It’s amazing to think of how much has changed since then.”
As El Salvador celebrates its journey as the world’s first #BitcoinCountry, Dennehy´s testimony underscores the profound impact of this landmark decision on both the nation and those who championed its cause.